Day by Day...

I know its been awhile since the last update, I guess you can say, it took us a bit of time to bounce back from some hard times (mentally).

First off I would like to say, thank you for the encouraging comments. We all really need to hear words like that, so thank you very much, I read each and everyone of them. It's obvious to us now that the physical battle has seemed to be won, but now it appears mentally...things can be challenging for us. That's when we really need those prayers, so please keep them coming.

The weekend of Shawn's birthday, a fever that we thought may keep us home never rose high enough to put us in the hospital. Thankfully, God had other plans for us! We were able to go ahead with our plans for the weekend and head to San Diego. It was more than needed! There is a wonderful lady that gets her hair done at my sister's shop, named Patricia who has cancer herself and has really taken to Jordan's story, so she actually blessed us and because of her we were able to get away for a much deserved weekend get-a-way! We took the boys to Supercross (you see...they have two passions...baseball and motorcycle riding)! We actually went into the pits and they got to get pictures and autographs of some of their favorite riders. Supercross was a success and the rain didn't even ruin it! Jordan also got to go swimming for the first time in a heated pool (because he has a port now). He was like a fish out of water! Again...another milestone moment for us! The time away was so needed, we were actually able to enjoy life outside of hospitals, doctors offices, and always being at home, but mostly just to simply...BREATHE. It lifted our spirits more than you know for all of us!

The last time we had Jordan's counts checked, about a week an a half ago, they were on the rise. We are due back this Monday for the once a month light chemo through his port and I'm sure his counts will be checked again. I'm hoping they will be even higher at this time. What does concern me, is where they will be about two weeks after this chemo that is due on Monday because there is a chance they could come down again and we don't want that. The beginning of the maintenance phase is somewhat of a roller coaster and it will take some time to regulate his medicine in order to get the counts were we want them to be. I can happily say that Jordan appears to be getting stronger everyday. All he needed was some time to see that yes...there is life after this nightmare he has been living. In fact, we all needed to see it! Also, what we're seeing is hair, it's coming back and this pleases him tremendously!! He always took such pride in his hair, I don't think it can grow back fast enough for him.

We also have the start of Little League season upon us, which as you all know gives us much joy. Shawn will actually be managing Tristen's team in the Major division this year, which will give us something new to focus on. To much of our amazement it appears Jordan will be playing as well (pending a doctor's approval of course). We figured it would of been more towards the middle of the season but no...we figured wrong. He is more than ready!! He plays all the time with Tristen. His heart and mind are totally focused on baseball right now. He may not start off the strongest but I'm convinced, its just a matter of time that he'll be playing up to par and we'll be seeing that attitude out on the ball field that drove us so crazy! You see, he plays with heart and sometimes that shows out on the field (whether we like it or not), but you know...it's that feisty attitude that won his life back! And now it's that feisty attitude and determination that will allow him to play ball again, just bringing him one step closer to regaining his life back!!

I often find myself feeling like how a new mother would feel watching her newborn baby. I look at him and appreciate his life so much more now. Him being able to eat, laugh, and play with his brother does not go unnoticed anymore. Just to lay entangled with him on the couch and to feel the softness of his skin, to rub his ear lobes, to see the fullness of his lips, to run my check against his new hair growing in...that's what fills me up. I know now how precious life is and I'm constantly thanking God for allowing us stay a family of four.

It's still a day by day thing with us, but I do feel it's getting easier and on those days that aren't so good...I'll be looking forward to the next day when we wake up and Gods Mercy and Grace will be new again!! That's what keeps us going...